If I Were Mayor: Young Olympians' Essay Contest

Olympia Mayor Pro-tem Yến Huỳnh (left) and Mayor Dontae Payne (right).Photo byCity of Olympia

Young Olympians have a chance to write up a wishlist for what they would do if they were mayor for a day, the City of Olympia announced on Tuesday.

The opportunity is part of the city's annual essay contest, "Mayor for a Day" contest geared towards 4th-6th graders within the Olympia School District.

“Our hope is to engage and educate our local youth on the workings of city government in a fun and meaningful way,” said Olympia Mayor Dontae Payne.

Would-be entrants must submit an essay of at least 250 words on the following topic: “If you were selected to be Mayor for the day, what would you do to make Olympia a better community for everyone, and how would you do it?"

Entrants must also share why they should be appointed as Mayor for a day in their essay, city officials.

The writer of the selected essay, city officials say, will be “sworn in” and shadow the Olympia Mayor for a day. They will also receive a Certificate of Recognition signed by the Mayor and have their essay read at a City Council meeting, the city reports further.

Olympia's 2024 Mayor for a Day will also be featured in a news release and have their photo taken with the City Council with parental consent, according to the city.

The contest is open now through Sep. 23 and will be judged by a panel consisting of Mayor Payne and Mayor Pro Tem Yến Huỳhn.